Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral: A soaring modern masterpiece crowned with vibrant stained glass, at the heart of Liverpool’s spiritual and cultural life.
Known locally as “Paddy’s Wigwam,” Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is a striking modern Catholic cathedral completed in 1967. Its circular, conical design by Sir Frederick Gibberd features a soaring lantern tower with the world’s largest single stained-glass commission. The cathedral’s interior centers on a white marble altar surrounded by chapels, bathed in vibrant colored light. Below lies the crypt designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the only part of an earlier grand plan realized. This architectural landmark is a spiritual and cultural heart of Liverpool.
A brief summary to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
- Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TQ, GB
- +441517099222
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 7:30 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 7:30 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 7:30 am-6 pm
- Thursday 7:30 am-6 pm
- Friday 7:30 am-6 pm
- Saturday 7:30 am-6 pm
- Sunday 7:30 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit the crypt to explore the only completed part of the original Lutyens design, featuring vaulted ceilings and the cathedral treasury.
- Time your visit to experience the colorful light show created by the Crown of Glass lantern’s stained-glass windows.
- Join a free guided tour to learn about the cathedral’s history, architecture, and artworks from knowledgeable guides.
- Attend one of the cathedral’s concerts or special events held in the crypt or main space for a unique cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Mount Pleasant, with frequent services from Liverpool city center taking about 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4 one way. Buses run regularly throughout the day but check schedules on weekends and evenings.
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Walking
From Liverpool city center, the cathedral is a 10-15 minute walk uphill on paved streets. The terrain is moderate with some steps near the entrance, suitable for most visitors with reasonable mobility.
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Car
An underground car park is available at the cathedral for visitors during opening hours. Parking fees apply, typically around £3-£5 for a few hours. Disabled parking spaces are clearly marked and accessible.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
A Bold Architectural Statement in Liverpool
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Christ the King, stands as a bold icon of modern architecture in the city. Completed in 1967, it was designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd after an international competition sought a design that would incorporate the existing crypt and meet new liturgical requirements. The cathedral’s circular plan, 59 meters in diameter, places the altar at its center, reflecting the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on congregational participation. Its conical shape is supported by sixteen boomerang-shaped concrete trusses and flying buttresses, giving it a tent-like appearance that contrasts with Liverpool’s older Anglican cathedral.The Crown of Glass Lantern and Stained Glass Masterpieces
Rising above the altar is the cathedral’s most distinctive feature: a 16-sided lantern tower known as the Crown of Glass. This lantern, about 22.5 meters tall and 21 meters wide at its base, is clad in stained glass panels designed by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens. Using a dalle de verre technique, the glass shards in vibrant blues, reds, yellows, and greens create a kaleidoscope of light that floods the interior with color. This stained glass is the largest single commission ever undertaken by the artists and symbolizes the Holy Trinity in an abstract form inspired by Dante’s Paradiso.Interior Design and Artistic Highlights
Inside, the cathedral’s focus is the white marble altar from Skopje, Macedonia, positioned centrally to ensure all worshippers have an unobstructed view. The floor features grey and white marble designed by David Atkins, complementing the circular layout. Surrounding the nave are thirteen chapels, each with unique designs and artworks, including sculptures by Elisabeth Frink and stained glass by Margaret Trehearne and Ceri Richards. The interior’s concentric seating arrangement fosters a communal atmosphere, enhanced by the filtered, colorful light from the lantern above.The Historic Crypt and Its Role Today
Beneath the modern cathedral lies the crypt designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, part of an earlier, more ambitious cathedral plan halted due to cost. The crypt, constructed of brick and granite, features vaulted ceilings and is the only completed section of Lutyens’ vision. Today, it houses the cathedral treasury with sacred vessels and vestments and serves as a venue for concerts and events such as the Liverpool Beer Festival. The crypt’s serene atmosphere contrasts with the vibrant modernity above.Community, Worship, and Visitor Experience
As Britain’s largest Catholic cathedral, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is a spiritual hub welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. It offers a year-round program of services, concerts, and special events. Visitors can join free guided tours or explore independently, enjoying the tranquil ambiance, awe-inspiring architecture, and rich artistic heritage. The cathedral’s elevated position provides a peaceful retreat above the city bustle, where visitors can reflect amid the interplay of light and space.Legacy and Significance in Liverpool’s Skyline
The cathedral’s design was revolutionary for its time, reflecting liturgical reforms and modernist architectural trends. Its nickname, “Paddy’s Wigwam,” affectionately references its distinctive shape. The building’s Portland stone cladding and aluminum roof contrast with the red sandstone of the nearby Anglican cathedral, symbolizing Liverpool’s diverse religious heritage. As a Grade II* listed building, it stands as a testament to mid-20th-century innovation and the enduring faith of Liverpool’s Catholic community.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
0.5 km
A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
0.6 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
Chinese Arch
0.8 km
Europe’s tallest Chinese ceremonial arch, a vibrant gateway to Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and symbol of enduring cultural ties with Shanghai.
Huskisson Memorial
0.9 km
A solemn mausoleum in Liverpool honoring William Huskisson, the first prominent victim of a railway accident and a figure of complex historical legacy.
Wolstenholme Square
0.9 km
A historic Georgian square reborn through art and regeneration, crowned by a vibrant public sculpture.
World Museum
1.0 km
Explore the World Museum in Liverpool, where history, science, and culture come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
The Bluecoat
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant art scene at The Bluecoat, Liverpool's oldest art center, showcasing contemporary exhibitions and cultural events.
Hillsborough Memorial
1.0 km
Explore the Hillsborough Memorial in Liverpool, a poignant tribute to resilience and remembrance dedicated to the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
Coopers Building
1.1 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
Eleanor Rigby Statue
1.2 km
Discover the Eleanor Rigby Statue in Liverpool, a heartfelt tribute to music's timeless themes of love and loneliness amidst the city's vibrant culture.
Nordic Church and Cultural Centre
1.2 km
Discover the beauty and cultural richness of the Gustav Adolf Scandinavian Church in Liverpool, a serene hub celebrating Nordic traditions.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
1.2 km
Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Shiverpool
1.2 km
Explore Liverpool's haunted history with Shiverpool's thrilling ghost tours, where every step unveils chilling tales of the city's spectral past.
Cilla Black
1.3 km
Celebrate Liverpool’s beloved entertainer with the life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black on iconic Mathew Street, near the legendary Cavern Club.
For All Liverpool's Liver Birds (Wings) by Paul Curtis
1.3 km
Explore the vibrant artwork 'For All Liverpool's Liver Birds (Wings)' by Paul Curtis, a celebration of Liverpool's maritime heritage and cultural identity.
Unmissable attractions to see
Knowledge Quarter
0.2 km
Liverpool’s dynamic Knowledge Quarter: a vibrant innovation district blending science, culture, historic landmarks, and lively student life in the city centre.
Victoria Gallery & Museum
0.2 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic redbrick university gallery blending historic art, science collections, and architectural grandeur in a vibrant cultural hub.
Everyman Theatre
0.2 km
Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre: Where bohemian heritage meets innovative theatre in an intimate, iconic setting on Hope Street.
Mount Pleasant
0.3 km
A historic city-centre street blending Victorian architecture, academic life and civic institutions in the heart of Liverpool.
Liverpool Masonic Hall
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool Masonic Hall on Hope Street: A majestic hub of Freemasonry and culture blending tradition with vibrant community life.
William MacKenzie's Tomb
0.4 km
A towering granite pyramid on Rodney Street, this tomb blends Victorian grandeur with ghostly legends of a gambler’s eternal wager.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
0.4 km
Historic Grade I-listed pub on Hope Street offering classic British dishes, exquisite Victorian-Baroque interiors, and a warm Liverpool welcome.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
0.4 km
Experience world-class music and stunning Art Deco elegance at Liverpool’s iconic Royal Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street.
Unity Theatre
0.5 km
Historic and vibrant political theatre in Liverpool offering intimate performances and a strong community spirit since 1936.
Ye Cracke
0.5 km
Historic Liverpool pub famed for its Beatles connections, cozy multi-room layout, and traditional cask ales in the heart of the Georgian Quarter.
Blackburne House
0.6 km
Historic Georgian landmark in Liverpool, pioneering girls’ education and women’s empowerment since 1844.
"A Case History" by John King
0.6 km
Stacked concrete suitcases honoring Liverpool's legendary citizens on Hope Street's historic Georgian pavements.
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
0.6 km
A historic Grade II listed performing arts university in Liverpool, founded by Paul McCartney, blending rich heritage with cutting-edge creative education.
Pop Boutique
0.6 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Pop Boutique, Liverpool’s vintage clothing gem on Bold Street.
Soho's Liverpool
0.7 km
A multi-level Bold Street bar with retro flair — cocktails, DJs and a lively city-centre scene.
Essential places to dine
Roski Restaurant
0.4 km
An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
The Art School Restaurant
0.4 km
Elegant fine dining in a stunning Victorian setting near Hope Street, blending local ingredients with artistic culinary flair.
The London Carriage Works
0.5 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
The Quarter
0.5 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh Italian flavours in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, open daily till late.
Maray Bold Street
0.6 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates with bold flavours and plant-based options in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
The Italian Club
0.6 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street at The Italian Club.
Mowgli Street Food Bold Street
0.6 km
Experience authentic Indian street food bursting with bold flavors in a lively Liverpool setting on Bold Street.
Cowshed Liverpool
0.7 km
A cozy, intimate steakhouse in Liverpool’s city centre, serving expertly cooked beef with attentive service and a unique historic setting.
Shiraz Palace
0.7 km
Lively Mediterranean bistro in Liverpool famed for generous grilled meats, vibrant breakfasts, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Greek Taverna Bold Street
0.7 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and vibrant Mediterranean hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
La Finca Eivissa
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Ibiza with fusion tapas, cocktails, and live DJs in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Chamber 36 City Centre
0.7 km
Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
Alma De Cuba
0.8 km
Experience vibrant Cuban culture and cuisine in Liverpool’s stunning former St Peters Church, blending historic charm with lively dining and entertainment.
Wreck Bistro
0.8 km
A warm, inventive British bistro in Liverpool’s Ropewalks, blending seasonal ingredients with creative flair in a relaxed, inviting setting.
Almost Famous Liverpool
0.8 km
Big, messy burgers and loud, fun vibes in a graffiti-covered diner on Liverpool’s Parr Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
69A
0.5 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
The Hippy Hole
0.6 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
Shared Earth
0.6 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Utility Gift Store
0.7 km
Quirky gifts and unique designs on Liverpool's Bold Street – your indie haven for Moomin magic, scented candles, and cards that say it best. Dog-friendly delight.
Resurrection
0.7 km
Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
COW Liverpool
0.7 km
A compact Bold Street vintage haven where curated retro clothes, approachable staff and frequent one-off finds reward close, unhurried browsing.
Beat That
0.8 km
Unearth retro gems at Beat That, Liverpool's quirky vintage haven on Concert Street, blending punk edge with timeless thrift treasures in the Ropewalks buzz.
Bleu Prints
0.8 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
0.8 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
F&G Discounts
0.8 km
Explore unique gifts and souvenirs at F&G Discounts, the ultimate gift shop in St. John's Precinct, Liverpool.
Rebellious Fashion
0.9 km
Discover trendy, affordable women's fashion in Liverpool’s vibrant Houghton Street boutique with extended weekday hours and a youthful style vibe.
LFC Official Club Store
1.0 km
Discover authentic Liverpool FC merchandise and immerse yourself in the club’s vibrant spirit at the heart of Liverpool city centre.
The Liverpool Gift Shop
1.0 km
Discover authentic Liverpool souvenirs and memorabilia in the heart of Williamson Square, open daily for all fans and visitors.
Beats of Liverpool
1.1 km
Discover authentic Liverpool memorabilia and Beatles-inspired souvenirs in the heart of the city’s historic Whitechapel district.
Liverpool Souvenirs and Gifts
1.1 km
Discover unique Liverpool keepsakes and exceptional service at this friendly souvenir shop in the heart of the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Font
0.2 km
A lively Liverpool bar famed for cheap cocktails, homemade burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere since 2001.
The Pen Factory
0.2 km
Industrial-chic bistro bar on Liverpool’s Hope Street with seasonal small plates, lively atmosphere, and a popular beer garden.
Liverpool Arts Bar
0.3 km
A vibrant creative hub in a historic Masonic Hall, blending local art, live performances, and crafted drinks on Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street.
Red Door
0.7 km
A lively cocktail bar on Berry Street offering expertly crafted drinks, vibrant music, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere in the heart of Liverpool.
The Oracle
0.7 km
Liverpool's secret speakeasy where cocktails meet close-up magic—buzz in for illusions, tarot, and vintage vibes that defy reality.
Salt Dog Slim's
0.7 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
Bar Bodega
0.7 km
Liverpool's underground disco den: Ibizan house beats in a brick cellar nightclub, pulsing late into the night with cocktails and private party vibes.
Berry and Rye
0.7 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
MOLOKO
0.7 km
A music-led cocktail bar in the Old Stables with a beer garden, late DJs and an over-25s disco energy for evening socialising.
Soho Bar Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
0.8 km
Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
Motel Bar
0.9 km
A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Be At One - Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Kazimier Garden
0.9 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Present Company
0.9 km
Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Blue Angel Nightclub
0.7 km
Liverpool's dingy dive for 60s rock legends, dirt-cheap drinks, and sweaty throwback dances—where The Beatles once rocked and students still rage till dawn.
Pure Nightlounge
0.7 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Ink Bar Liverpool
0.7 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Cool It
0.7 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Aura
0.7 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Heebie Jeebies
0.7 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
EBGBS
0.7 km
Liverpool's gritty basement nightclub where live indie gigs, craft cocktails, and underground vibes fuel epic nights until 4am in the heart of Seel Street.
BrooklynMixer
0.8 km
Liverpool's original R&B haven on Seel Street: three floors of hip-hop beats, craft cocktails, leather lounges, and private party vibes from dusk till dawn.
Baa Bar Liverpool
0.8 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Modo, Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.9 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
Popworld - Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant Stanley Street Gay Quarter in Liverpool, a hub of LGBT nightlife with diverse bars, clubs, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Heaven Nightclub Liverpool
1.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and inclusive spirit at Heaven Nightclub in Liverpool, a top destination for nightlife enthusiasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
